12
Jan, 2021

What To Do When You Come Across An Abandoned Dog?

Dogs are excellent companions for human beings! Unfortunately, there are many cases where they are abandoned. The reasons are varied: it is possible that the dog barks more than expected, that it is too active, or that it is no longer so adorable in the eyes of its “owner” when it grows up. Unfortunately, many people buy or adopt dogs without first learning about the characteristics of the breed or the particular dog, and over time they come across “surprises.” Dogs are living beings, and they have needs that their owner must satisfy. But the world is full of cruel people, and it is a fact that many dogs are abandoned, forced to roam the streets, and try to survive. In this case, you should know that there are non-profit associations that work every day to try to give these animals a second chance. If you find a dog in this state, you could become their new family or, at least, you should help them by contacting a protector to get them off the street.

However, if you see a dog alone on the street, although it may be an abandoned dog, it could also be that it has been lost or escaped, so you will have to try to locate it once you manage to get close to its owner. The approach can be difficult because the dog may be scared, hungry or thirsty, cold, run away again, and run the risk of being run over or causing an accident. Therefore, you must try to earn their trust and help them.

How Does an Abandoned Dog Feel?

What to do if you find an abandoned dog? - Bravery Pet Food

Abandonment is always a traumatic experience. When a dog has been abandoned or abused, it drags a series of psychological consequences that will appear when it reaches its new home. Like us, you have been subjected to a situation in which the beings you trusted the most had abandoned you, so your emotions will be altered, and it may take some time to gain your trust. At first, they may be skittish, seek shelter in a corner, or be nervous when leaving the house. You may be afraid of traveling by car, other animals, people. They may be aggressive or seek refuge in you, and it is not advisable to release them outdoors until they feel like part of the family.

If you take them home, they can show signs of anxiety and nibble on furniture and cushions or relieve themself anywhere until the time comes when they feel comfortable and safe. However, as they gain confidence, they become a cheerful and grateful dog who will show you infinite loyalty. How long this takes to happen depends on each dog.

What Steps Do I Have to Take if I Come Across an Abandoned Dog?

A case for India's stray dogs

  • Remember that not all dogs that walk alone are abandoned, especially in urbanizations or towns, where dogs are used to moving freely in the area. In that case, knock on the door of a house and ask if they know the dog.

  • Try to capture the dog and prevent it from leaving: Approach the pooch carefully, without making sudden movements, speaking in a calm and soft voice. Remember that it is possible that the dog is scared and disoriented and could show an aggressive attitude. You can use food to get them closer to you. Place the food away from you, a meter away, and sit and wait. It is important that you sit or stay in a crouched position, never standing or trying to get close, as it is easy for the dog to get scared. If the dog is afraid, keep quiet. As you gain confidence, the dog may get closer. At that time, you can try putting food in your hand to see if it gets close. If it’s hot, you can also offer water.

  • When they’re next to you, continue to speak gently, try stroking them if possible, until you can hug and contain them. If it has a necklace, you can either tie a string or hold it by grabbing the chain. Otherwise, you can use a rope, knotting one end around their neck, with great care and respect. Take it home or temporarily to your car, as long as it is well ventilated and not too hot.

  • If you can’t get them to get close and the dog leaves, follow them at a distance, without frightening them, so as not to lose them of sight. 

  • Get in touch with the authorities or a protector: If the dog runs away or is belligerent, don’t try to capture it. Call the police or a protector and tell them where the dog was last seen. In case you need first aid, if you know how to handle it, do it. If not, wait until you can take them to a vet.

  • Look for identification: If you have managed to restrain the dog, check if it has an identification tag. In that case, try to contact the owner to inform them that their dog has been located and is safe in your home, arranging a meeting place to return it. If you do not have an identification tag, go to any veterinary clinic to check if you have a microchip. If so, they will contact the owner, who can pick up the dog at the clinic or at the place you agree.

  • If it does not have a microchip, you can take it to an animal shelter, since if the owner is looking for it, they may go to them. The fact that a dog does not have a microchip does not necessarily indicate that it is abandoned. Still, it reduces the chances of finding its owner, so the dog is considered abandoned after a reasonable time. If you hand them to the authorities and the police take them to a municipal kennel, the dog may be euthanized, after a reasonable time, if no one has come looking for it. If you give the dog to a protector, it will be safe since it will not be euthanized, and it will live in its outbuildings until an owner is found for it. You can also adopt them if you want.

  • Place ads: If you decide to take the dog to your home on a foster basis, you can also make it easier to locate the owner by taking a photo of the dog and posting notices in the area where you found it. Also, distribute these flyers to the local veterinary clinics, advertise them on social media and ask people to share the ad to increase the chance that someone knows the dog or owner and can get in touch with you.

  • If you decide to keep it, once a reasonable time has passed to allow its possible owner to appear, go to a veterinarian for a check-up if it has an infection or disease that needs to be treated. In the clinic, they will collect your data and prepare a passport and a booklet for the dog, stating that you are the owner. Next, go to your town hall to register it.

Low Maintenance Pets That You Can Keep in Your Apartment

If you live in an apartment, places for pets are often very limited. And rules can restrict the types of pets allowed in the building. If you’re a pet lover looking for companionship, don’t despair. You can find low-maintenance pets that will live happily in your small space and provide you with pleasure and companionship.

1. Betta Fish

Among the least demanding pets to care for, fish is the right choice for apartment dwellers. Betta fish, sometimes called Siamese fighting fish, are an intelligent and beautiful species that can live for two to four years in a well-maintained tank or bowl. You will need to provide a 5-gallon environment for your betta fish and feed it insect food and betta fish pellets on a regular basis. Clean the bowl regularly and maintain a constant water temperature (betta fish do best in water at 77 or 86 degrees). Although it is not recommended to put two bettas together, especially males, as they can be aggressive to each other, you can try to add a few different companions, such as catfish and guppies, to your small water environment. For a few pellets a day and regular water changes, your swimming friends will bring beauty and peace to your apartment.

2. Guinea Pigs

If you want to snuggle up with a furry friend, look no further than a soft and cuddly guinea pig. These creatures are very friendly, curious, easy to care for and don’t need a lot of space. To house your guinea pig, you will need a cage of at least 2.5 square meters, bedding (such as timothy hay) and food and water dishes. Guinea pigs need fresh feed (dry food, grass and fresh vegetables) and clean water every day. You will also need to remove their droppings and soiled bedding from the cage daily. Guinea pigs need time out of their cage to run and play, so set aside time to play with your boyfriend in a safe place in the apartment. With good care, you can expect your guinea pig to live up to eight years.

3. Leopard geckos

When their living space is contained in a large terrarium, lizards can be the ideal choice for your small apartment. A variety of lizards are available to potential reptile owners, but a famous “beginner” lizard is the leopard gecko. This little guy can grow up to 10 inches long and usually lives for 10 years, although some can live up to 20 years. A leopard gecko needs a 10 gallon glass or plastic tank with places to hide and climb, paper or other gecko friendly substrate, a bowl of water and a heat source to maintain a section of the tank between 75 and 88 degrees. Leopard geckos eat insects, so you will need to provide crickets, waxworms and mealworms that have been fed chick or pig puree before being fed to your gecko. Starting slowly, get your gecko used to a few minutes of handling each day. Soon it will be happy to climb on your lap and hands for regular interaction.

4. Cats

Depending on the rules in force in your building, you may be allowed to keep a cat. Cats require little maintenance and can be loving and rewarding companions. To keep a cat indoors, you will need to provide a litter box and pick up litter waste daily. You will also need to provide cat food (wet kibble or canned food) and clean water. If you have a long-haired breed, your cat will need to be brushed from time to time to avoid matting in his coat. In addition to these simple necessities, offer your cat a cozy bed or let him share yours, and he will love you forever.

5. Birds

Another indoor animal that is easy to care for is a bird, but if you live in an apartment, you should choose a species that is not too noisy for your neighbors. Budgerigars, cockatiels and canaries have quiet vocalizations and are small and easy to care for. Be aware that these birds can be a long-term commitment. Parrots generally live five to nine years, cockatiels can live up to 20 years, and canaries in captivity often live 10 to 15 years. Your birds will need a cage large enough to allow them to fly. They also need time to get out of their cage each day to fly in a more open space. You will need to provide them with fresh water and food daily, including seeds and a variety of fruits and vegetables. Your birds’ cage will also need to be cleaned regularly, and you may need to sweep or vacuum frequently as they can spread seeds liberally while feeding. In exchange for your time and care, parakeets and cockatiels will “talk” and whistle and allow you to hold and play with them.

14
Oct, 2020

Choosing the Right Dog for Your Family

The family usually decides to have a dog in the house. However, sometimes you may walk by a pet store, fall in love with a puppy and instantly decide to take him home. Dogs can bring you many benefits. They are good companions, play companions and a source of security against intruders. It is therefore important to choose the right breed according to your preferences and needs. In general, it is recommended to choose a fido that fits your lifestyle and needs rather than adapting to the dog’s needs. Before bringing your furry companion home, it is imperative to consider the following points.

Consider the size of your family.

One of the most important considerations you need to take into account when looking for a fido is the size of your family. You need to ask yourself questions such as: how many people do you have at home? Do you have enough room for a large dog? How old are your children? Do all your children live at home? If you have younger children, you should consider getting a smaller but stronger hunting dog that will stand up to your children’s abuse. Also, you wouldn’t want a big mongrel that is stronger than your children. This can cause injury to your youngsters.

Set a good budget.

Before welcoming a stray dog into your home, it is a good idea to check your disposable income after all the bills have been paid. Ask yourself if you can afford to buy dog food in the long term. Think about how you will pay for veterinary visits. It is essential to realize that a poodle can cost as much as a child. That’s why you need to be prepared to have one, just as you do when you’re expecting a new baby. If you have a small budget, you should consider an affordable breed, such as Jack Russell. On the other hand, if you have the financial means, you can quickly opt for a premium breed such as the St. Bernard.

Look at your living space.

Your living space is a special consideration before choosing this type of animal. Some breeds need large spaces to play and run. If you live in a small apartment where space is limited, you should choose a smaller dog. A pug will do the trick because it doesn’t need a lot of space to run. In addition, the dog rarely barks, so it won’t bother your neighbors much.

Why do you need a dog?

Different people get a pug for different reasons. You may need a loyal dog for companionship, a helpful dog because of a disability, or a fleabag for safety. Therefore, the goal of getting a dog will play an important role in identifying the right breed. Labradors are fun, playful and intelligent and as a result, they make good friends. On the other hand, Dobermans and German Shepherds are aggressive breeds. They are perfect for the safety of your home.

They fit the lifestyle.

It is important to examine your lifestyle before you make a best friend. For example, if you live in an urban apartment, you should avoid having hunting dogs because you don’t have enough space for them to exercise and play. A breed such as the Border Collie is not suitable for such environments. Therefore, choose a breed that fits your lifestyle.

Consider grooming needs.

Some breeds, such as the standard poodle, require a lot of grooming. If you don’t have the time to take care of these regular tasks, consider choosing a breed that requires less grooming. In such a situation, short-tailed poodles will make an excellent choice.

Whether you’re looking for a good friend, companion or protector, you need to carefully consider your options. Getting enough information on the different breeds of dogs will greatly help you make the right decision.